Electronic apparatus and communication state notification function control method

ABSTRACT

According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a communication module, a communication state notification module, a notification function information obtaining module, and a notification function control module. The communication module executes close proximity wireless transfer. The communication state notification module notifies at least one of a start time and an end time of data transfer executed between the communication module and an external device, the data transfer being executed by the close proximity wireless transfer. The notification function information obtaining module obtains notification function information indicative of a capability relating to a communication state notification function of the external device from the external device. The notification function control module requests the external device to execute or suppress the communication state notification function by the external device, based on the obtained notification function information.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/632,709 filed on Dec. 7, 2009, which is based upon and claims thebenefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-008195,filed Jan. 16, 2009, the entire contents of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

One embodiment of the invention relates to an electronic apparatus whichexecutes close proximity wireless transfer, and a communication statenotification function control method applied to the electronicapparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art

In recent years, wireless communication such as NFC (Near FieldCommunication) has begun to be used in IC cards, mobile phones, etc. Auser can easily execute communication for an authentication process, abilling and settlement process, etc., simply by performing an operationof holding the IC card or mobile phone over a reader/writer module of ahost apparatus.

Recently, a new close proximity wireless transfer technology whichenables communication at higher speed has begun to be developed. Thisnew close proximity wireless transfer technology realizes not onlyproviding authentication and billing and settlement services but alsoexchanging data files including text data, video data and audio databetween devices simply by bringing the devices close to each other.

The time required for wireless communication for authenticationservices, etc. is only a moment (e.g. several seconds at most). However,when transferring data such as a large-capacity file by close proximitywireless transfer, the time required for wireless communication becomesrelatively long. For example, depending on the data size of a data file,a communication time of several-ten seconds or several minutes may berequired to transfer the data file.

Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2004-22139 discloses anelectronic apparatus set in which the playback of content by a firstelectronic apparatus is stopped and the playback of the content by asecond electronic apparatus is started when the first electronicapparatus such as a portable audio player is brought close to the secondelectronic apparatus such as a stationary player. If a user comes closeto the second electronic apparatus while the user is viewing/listeningto content by the first electronic apparatus, the playback of thecontent is automatically switched from the first electronic apparatus tothe second electronic apparatus, and the user can continue toview/listen to the content without performing a time-consumingoperation.

In the meantime, in the close proximity wireless transfer, it isnecessary that the devices be kept in a close proximity state duringcommunication. If the user erroneously moves the device apart duringcommunication such as content data transfer, the connection between thedevices is released, and the transfer fails. In order to prevent anerroneous operation by the user during communication, it is necessary toprovide the devices with a function of notifying the user of the stateof communication or switching of communication.

However, as described above, since the close proximity wireless transferis executed in the close proximity state of devices, notificationoutputs from both devices overlap if both devices respectively notifythe user of the communication state. Owing to the overlap ofnotification outputs, it is possible that the user cannot correctly benotified of the communication state. It is necessary, therefore, torealize novel function for adjusting the communication statenotification function between the devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

A general architecture that implements the various feature of theinvention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Thedrawings and the associated descriptions are provided to illustrateembodiments of the invention and not to limit the scope of theinvention.

FIG. 1 is an exemplary block diagram showing the system configuration ofan electronic apparatus according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is an exemplary block diagram showing the structure of acommunication control program used in the electronic apparatus of theembodiment;

FIG. 3 is an exemplary perspective view showing the external appearanceof the electronic apparatus of the embodiment;

FIG. 4 shows an example of close proximity wireless transfer executedbetween the electronic apparatus of the embodiment and an externaldevice;

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary communication sequence executed between theelectronic apparatus of the embodiment and the external device;

FIG. 6 shows an example of a communication state notification by acommunication state notification module in the electronic apparatus ofthe embodiment;

FIG. 7 shows an example of overlap of audio outputs by the electronicapparatus of the embodiment and the external device;

FIG. 8 shows an example of an audio output function control by theelectronic apparatus of the embodiment and the external device;

FIG. 9 shows another example of the audio output function control by theelectronic apparatus of the embodiment and the external device;

FIG. 10 shows still another example of the audio output function controlby the electronic apparatus of the embodiment and the external device;

FIG. 11 shows still another example of the audio output function controlby the electronic apparatus of the embodiment and the external device;

FIG. 12 shows still another example of the audio output function controlby the electronic apparatus of the embodiment and the external device;

FIG. 13 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating the procedure of acontrolling-side communication process executed by the electronicapparatus of the embodiment;

FIG. 14 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating the procedure of acontrolled-side communication process executed by the electronicapparatus of the embodiment; and

FIG. 15 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating a detailed procedure ofthe communication process executed by the electronic apparatus of theembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments according to the invention will be describedhereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. In general,according to one embodiment of the invention, there is provided anelectronic apparatus comprising: a communication module configured toexecute close proximity wireless transfer; a communication statenotification module configured to notify at least one of a start timeand an end time of data transfer executed between the communicationmodule and an external device, the data transfer being executed by theclose proximity wireless transfer; a notification function informationobtaining module configured to obtain notification function informationindicative of a capability relating to a communication statenotification function of the external device from the external device;and a notification function control module configured to request theexternal device to execute or suppress the communication statenotification function by the external device, based on the obtainednotification function information.

FIG. 1 shows the structure of an electronic apparatus according to anembodiment of the present invention. The electronic apparatus 10 isrealized, for example, as a portable apparatus (e.g. a mobile phone, aPDA, or an audio player), a personal computer, or a consumer apparatus(e.g. a TV or a video recorder). The electronic apparatus 10 includes asystem controller 11, a memory 12, a storage device 13, an input module14, a liquid crystal display device (LCD) 15, a sound controller 16, aspeaker 17, an indicator 18, a power supply controller 19, and a closeproximity wireless transfer device 20.

The system controller 11 controls the operations of the respectivecomponents in the electronic apparatus 10. The system controller 11 isconnected to the memory 12, storage device 13, input module 14, LCD 15,sound controller 16, indicator 18, power supply controller 19, and closeproximity wireless transfer device 20. The system controller 11 includesa CPU 101 a.

The CPU 101 a is a processor which executes an operating system andvarious application programs/utility programs, which are loaded in thememory 12 from the storage device 13. The application programs/utilityprograms include a communication control program 12 a for controllingthe communication operation of the close proximity wireless transferdevice 20. The communication control program 12 a has a communicationstate notification function for presenting the state of close proximitywireless transfer executed by the close proximity wireless transferdevice 20 (e.g. the start time of data transfer, the end time of datatransfer, and the transmission rate of data) by means of sound or lightto a user.

The storage device 13 includes, for example, a hard disk drive or anonvolatile semiconductor memory. The input module 14 is an input devicefor inputting data and instructions, which are to be delivered to theCPU 101A. The input module 14 is realized by, e.g. a keyboard, buttonswitches, or a pointing device.

The LCD 15 is a display device used as a display monitor of theelectronic apparatus 10. The sound controller 16 is a sound sourcecircuit for reproducing sound corresponding to audio data sent from theCPU 101 a. The sound controller 16 converts the audio data from adigital audio signal to an analog audio signal, and outputs the analogaudio signal to the speaker 17. The speaker 17 reproduces soundcorresponding to the analog audio signal.

The indicator 18 presents the state of close proximity wireless transferexecuted by the close proximity wireless transfer device 20. Theindicator 18 includes a light-emitting module such as an LED.

The power supply controller 19 uses power supplied from the outside viaan AC adapter 30 or power supplied from a battery 19 b in the electronicapparatus 10, thereby supplying power to the respective components inthe electronic apparatus 10. In other words, the electronic apparatus 10is driven by an external power supply such as an AC commercial powersupply, or by the battery 19 b. The AC adapter 30 may be provided withinthe electronic apparatus 10. The power supply controller 19 powerson/off the electronic apparatus 10 in accordance with a user's operationof a power switch (P-SW) 19 a.

The close proximity wireless transfer device 20 is a communicationmodule which executes close proximity wireless transfer. The closeproximity wireless transfer device 20 establishes wireless connectionwith other device (external device) having a close proximity wirelesstransfer function, which is present within a predetermined distance fromthe close proximity wireless transfer device 20, and starts transmissionor reception of data such as files. The close proximity wirelesstransfer between the close proximity wireless transfer device 20 and theexternal device is executed in a peer-to-peer mode. The range ofcommunication is, e.g. 3 cm. The wireless connection between the closeproximity wireless transfer device 20 and the external device is enabledonly if the close proximity wireless transfer device 20 and the externaldevice are in close proximity within the range of communication (e.g. 3cm). When the close proximity wireless transfer device 20 and theexternal device are brought close to each other within the range ofcommunication, the wireless connection between the close proximitywireless transfer device 20 and the external device is established.Then, transmission or reception of data, such as a data file explicitlydesignated by the user, or a predetermined data file which is to besynchronized, is executed between the close proximity wireless transferdevice 20 and the external device.

In the close proximity wireless transfer, an induction electric field isused. As a close proximity wireless transfer method, TransferJet, forinstance, can be used. TransferJet is a close proximity wirelesstransfer method using UWB, and realizes high-speed data transfer.

The close proximity wireless transfer device 20 includes a PHY/MACmodule 20 a and an antenna 20 b. The PHY/MAC module 20 a is controlledby the communication control program 12 a executed by the CPU 101 a. ThePHY/MAC module 20 a executes communication with the external device viathe antenna 20 b. The antenna 20 b is an electrode called “coupler”. Theantenna 20 b executes data transmission/reception to/from the externaldevice by a wireless signal using an induction electric field. If theexternal device is brought within the range of communication (e.g. 3 cm)from the antenna 20 b, the antennas (couplers) of the close proximitywireless transfer device 20 and the external device are coupled by theinduction electric field, and thereby wireless communication between theclose proximity wireless transfer device 20 and the external device isenabled. In the meantime, the close proximity wireless transfer device20 and the antenna 20 b can be realized as a single module.

Next, referring to FIG. 2, the structure of the communication controlprogram 12 a is described.

The communication control program 12 a includes a control module 111, acommunication state notification function information obtaining module112, a communication state notification function control module 113 anda communication state notification module 114.

The control module 111 controls the communication sequence between theclose proximity wireless transfer device 20 and the external device. Thewireless communication (close proximity wireless transfer) between theclose proximity wireless transfer device 20 and the external device isexecuted in the order of (1) connection phase, (2) negotiation phase and(3) data transfer phase.

In the connection phase, a connection request signal and a responsesignal to the connection request signal are transmitted/received betweenthe close proximity wireless transfer device 20 and the external device.Specifically, in the close proximity wireless transfer, one of twodevices sends a connection request signal. The other device executes aprocess of detecting the connection request signal at regular intervals.When the other device has detected the connection request signal fromthe one device, wireless connection between the two devices isestablished.

In the negotiation phase, for example, information (the data size of ato-be-transferred file, the number of to-be-transferred data files, thekind of a to-be-transferred file) relating to to-be-transferred contentdata (e.g. a text data file, an image data file, or an audio data file)is exchanged between the devices. In addition, notification functioninformation indicative of the capability relating to the communicationstate notification function of each device is exchanged between thedevices. The notification function information includes informationindicative of the presence/absence of the communication statenotification function or the capability of the communication statenotification function.

In the data transfer phase, to-be-transferred data (content data) istransmitted from a sender device to a destination (receiver) device.

The communication state notification module 114 notifies a communicationstate relating to close proximity wireless transfer executed between theclose proximity wireless transfer device 20 and the external device.Specifically, the communication state notification module 114 notifiesthe user of the communication state in the data transfer phase. In thiscase, for example, the communication state notification module 114causes the speaker 17 to reproduce a start sound indicative of the starttime of data transfer, and an end sound indicative of the end time ofdata transfer. As described above, the time required for data transfervaries according to content which is to be transmitted, and the closeproximity wireless transfer device 20 and the external device need to bekept in a close proximity state during the data transfer. Thus, tonotify the user of both the start time of data transfer and the end timeof data transfer is effective in preventing an erroneous operation bythe user during communication. In addition, the communication statenotification module 114 indicates the communication state, for example,by lighting or flickering the LED of the indicator 18. For example, thecommunication state notification module 114 may determine whether thetime needed for transmission of content is a threshold value or more. Ifthe time needed for transmission of content is less than the thresholdvalue, the communication state notification module 114 may control toreproduce only one of the start sound and end sound, for instance, onlythe end sound.

The communication state notification function information obtainingmodule 112 sends the information relating to the presence/absence andcapability of the communication state notification function in theelectronic apparatus 10 to the target external device, and obtains theinformation relating to the presence/absence and capability of thecommunication state notification function in the target external devicefrom the target external device.

The communication state notification function control module 113controls the communication state notification functions of theelectronic apparatus 10 and the external device by using the informationrelating to the presence/absence and capability of the communicationstate notification function in the external device obtained by thecommunication state notification function information obtaining module112.

In the close proximity wireless transfer, the electronic apparatus 10and the external device are kept in a close proximity state duringcommunication. If the user is notified of the communication state bysound or light from both devices in the close proximity state, it ispossible that the user is confused and cannot correctly recognize thecommunication state. In addition, if each of the closely positioneddevices individually notifies the user of the communication state, thismay lead to a factor causing wasteful power consumption. Thus, thecommunication state notification function control module 113 controlsthe communication state notification functions of the electronicapparatus 10 and external device so that the user may be notified of thecommunication state by only one of the devices. Specifically, thecommunication state notification function control module 113 executescontrol to suppress the communication state notification function of theexternal device if the communication state is notified by thecommunication state notification function of the electronic apparatus10, and executes control to suppress the communication statenotification function of the electronic apparatus 10 if thecommunication state is notified by the communication state notificationfunction of the external device.

To be more specific, in order to control the communication statenotification function of the external device, the communication statenotification function control module 113 issues to the external device arequest for execution or suppression of the communication statenotification function by the external device, based on the notificationfunction information obtained from the external device. In this case,the communication state notification function control module 113compares the communication state notification function of thecommunication state notification module 114 and the communication statenotification function of the external device indicated by thenotification function information obtained from the external device.Based on the comparison result, the communication state notificationfunction control module 113 sends a signal for requesting the executionor suppression of the communication state notification function to theexternal device by the close proximity wireless transfer device 20. Whenthe communication state notification function control module 113 hasissued a request for execution of the communication state notificationfunction to the external device, the communication state notificationfunction control module 113 suppresses the execution of thecommunication state notification function by the communication statenotification module 114.

Besides, the communication state notification function control module113 may control only the communication state notification function ofthe electronic apparatus 10 based on the capability of the externaldevice, without controlling the communication state notificationfunction of the external device. In this case, the communication statenotification function control module 113 executes or suppresses thecommunication state notification function by the communication statenotification module 114, based on the notification function informationwhich has been acquired from the external device. For example, if theexternal device has the communication state notification function or ifthe communication state notification function of the external device hasa higher function level than the communication state notificationfunction of the communication state notification module 114, thecommunication state notification function control module 113 suppressesthe execution of the communication state notification function by thecommunication state notification module 114.

In FIG. 2, the communication state notification function informationobtaining module 112, communication state notification function controlmodule 113 and communication state notification module 114 are depictedas different modules. Alternatively, the communication statenotification function information obtaining module 112, communicationstate notification function control module 113 and communication statenotification module 114 may be realized as a single module.

Next, referring to FIG. 3, an example of the external appearance of theelectronic apparatus 10 is described, assuming that the electronicapparatus 10 is realized as a portable personal computer.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of theelectronic apparatus 10.

The electronic apparatus 10 comprises a main body 41 and a display unit42. The display unit 42 is attached to the main body 41 such that thedisplay unit 42 is rotatable between an open position where the topsurface of the main body 41 is exposed, and a closed position where thetop surface of the main body 41 is covered with the display unit 42. Theabove-described LCD 15 is provided in the display unit 42.

The main body 41 has a thin box-shaped housing. A keyboard 14 a, a touchpad 14 b, speakers 17 a and 17 b, indicator 18 and power switch 19 a aredisposed on the top surface of the housing of the main body 41.

The top surface of the main body 41, to be more specific, a part of thepalm rest area on the top surface of the main body 41, functions as acommunication surface. Specifically, the close proximity wirelesstransfer device 20 and antenna (coupler) 20 b are provided within themain body 41 so as to be opposed to the top surface of the main body 41.The antenna (coupler) 20 b is disposed so as to output a radio signal(induction electric field) to the outside via the top surface of themain body 41 (specifically, a part of the palm rest area on the topsurface of the main body 41). A small area on the top surface of themain body 41 opposed to the antenna (coupler) 20 b, that is, a smallarea on the top surface of the main body 41 located on the upper side ofthe antenna (coupler) 20 b, is used as a communication position. Theclose proximity wireless transfer device 20 executes close proximitywireless transfer with the external device located within apredetermined range of communication (e.g. 3 cm) from the communicationposition on the top surface of the main body 41, via the top surface ofthe main body 41.

The user can start data transfer between the external device and theelectronic apparatus 10 by performing, for example, an operation (alsoreferred to as “touch operation”) of bringing the external device havingthe close proximity wireless transfer function over the communicationposition on the top surface of the main body 41.

FIG. 4 illustrates close proximity wireless transfer executed between amobile phone 50 and the electronic apparatus 10. An antenna (coupler)for close proximity wireless transfer is provided within the housing ofthe mobile phone 50 so as to be opposed to the back surface of thehousing. In this case, data transfer between the mobile phone 50 andelectronic apparatus 10 can be started by bringing the back surface ofthe housing of the mobile phone 50 over the communication position onthe top surface of the main body 41.

Next, referring to FIG. 5, a description is given of the communicationsequence executed between the mobile phone 50 and electronic apparatus10.

It is assumed that close proximity wireless transfer is executed betweena device 1 and a device 2. Of the devices 1 and 2, the device which isto start communication, for instance, the device 1, transmits aconnection request signal (Connect). This connection request signal mayinclude a device ID of the device 1 (e.g. a device ID of a closeproximity wireless transfer device in the device 1). The device 2periodically executes a process of detecting the connection requestsignal. When the device 1 and device 2 are brought close to each other,the device 2 can detect the connection request signal transmitted fromthe device 1. When the device 2 has detected the connection requestsignal, the device 2 transmits a response signal (Ack) to the connectionrequest signal to the device 1. The response signal (Ack) may include adevice ID of the device 2 (e.g. a device ID of a close proximitywireless transfer device provided in the device 2). The device 1 candetect the response signal (Ack) transmitted from the device 2. In thismanner, wireless connection is established between the device 1 anddevice 2 by transmitting/receiving the connection requestsignal/response signal between the device 1 and device 2.

Subsequently, a negotiation process is executed between the device 1 anddevice 2. In the negotiation process, information relating toto-be-transferred content is exchanged between the device 1 and device2. Then, data transfer is started between the device 1 and device 2.

The electronic apparatus 10 may function as either the device 1 or thedevice 2.

Next, referring to FIG. 6, a description is given of an example of thecommunication state notified by the communication state notificationmodule 114 in the electronic apparatus 10.

If the electronic apparatus 10 and external device are brought close toeach other by the user's touch operation, connection between theelectronic apparatus 10 and external device is established, and transfer(transmission or reception) of content data is enabled. At the same timeas the start time of transfer of content data, the communication statenotification module 114 causes the LED of the indicator 18 to flicker,and causes the speaker 17 to reproduce a start sound, thereby notifyingthe user of the start time of transfer. While the content data is beingtransferred, the communication state notification module 114 causes theLED of the indicator 18 to flicker. If the transfer of the content datais finished, the communication state notification module 114 lights theLED of the indicator 18 continuously for a predetermined time period,and then turns off the LED, and also causes the speaker 17 to reproducean end sound indicative of the end time of transfer. Thereby, the usercan be notified of the end time of transfer of content data. Sincedifferent melodies are used for the start sound and the end sound, theuser can discriminate the start time and end time of transfer by thesound alone. If the user confirms the end time of transfer and separatesthe electronic apparatus 10 and external device more than thepredetermined range (3 cm), the connection between the devices isreleased.

In this manner, the communication state notification module 114 cannotify the user of the start time of transfer of content data, thecontinuation of transfer of the content data and the end time oftransfer of the content data, by the light and flicker of the LED of theindicator 18 and the melody reproduced from the speaker 17.

FIG. 7 shows an example of overlap of audio outputs notifying thecommunication state by the electronic apparatus 10 and the externaldevice.

In FIG. 7, each of the device 1 that is the electronic apparatus 10 andthe device 2 that is the external device has an audio output function.If the user performs the touch operation of bringing the device 2 closeto the device 1, connection of wireless communication between the device1 and device 2 is established. When data transfer is started between thedevices, each of the device 1 and device 2 reproduces a start soundindicative of the start time of transfer. Since the start soundreproduced by the device 1 and the start sound reproduced by the device2 are reproduced almost at the same time, it is possible that the usermay be confused or the user may feel unpleasant cacophony. Thus, in thepresent embodiment, to enable the audio output function of one of theelectronic apparatus 10 and the external device and to disable the audiooutput function of the other of the electronic apparatus 10 and theexternal device are controlled. By notifying the communication state byusing the audio output function of either the electronic apparatus 10 orthe external device, the user can easily discriminate the communicationstate.

Next, referring to FIG. 8, a description is given of an example ofcontrolling the audio output function between the electronic apparatus10 and the external device. It is assumed that the device 1 has theaudio output function and the device 2 does not have the audio outputfunction. The device 1 is, for example, a device (master) which controlscommunication between the devices 1 and 2. The device which has output aconnection request signal may become a master.

To start with, in order to confirm the audio output function of thedevice 2, the device 1 requests the device 2 to transmit informationrelating to the audio output function in the negotiation phase.Responding to this request, the device 2 transmits the informationindicating that the device 2 does not have the audio output function tothe device 1. The device 1 controls to perform the audio output by thedevice 1 since the device 2 does not have the audio output function.Thus, the device 1 outputs sound indicative of the communication statewhen data is transmitted between the device 1 and device 2.

FIG. 9 shows another example of controlling the audio output functionbetween the electronic apparatus 10 and the external device. It isassumed that the device 1 has the audio output function and the device 2does not have the audio output function. In this example, the device 2is a device (master) which controls communication between the devices 1and 2.

To start with, the device 2 transmits the information indicating thatthe device 2 does not have the audio output function to the device 1 inthe negotiation phase. The device 1 controls to perform the audio outputby the device 1 since the device 2 does not have the audio outputfunction. Thus, the device 1 outputs sound indicative of thecommunication state when data is transmitted between the device 1 anddevice 2.

FIG. 10 shows still another example of controlling the audio outputfunction between the electronic apparatus 10 and the external device. Inthis example, it is assumed that both the device 1 and device 2 have theaudio output functions, and that the audio output function of the device1 has a higher function level than the audio output function of thedevice 2. The device 1 is, for example, a device (master) which controlscommunication between the devices 1 and 2.

To start with, the device 1 transmits information indicative of thecapability of the audio output function of the device 1 to the device 2in the negotiation phase. The device 2 transmits information indicativeof the capability of the audio output function of the device 2 to thedevice 1 in the negotiation phase.

The device 1 compares the capability of the audio output function of thedevice 1 and the capability of the audio output function of the device2, and determines that the audio output function of the device 1 has ahigher function level than the audio output function of the device 2.Thus, the device 1 outputs sound indicative of the communication statewhen data is transmitted between the device 1 and device 2.

In addition, the device 2 compares the capability of the audio outputfunction of the device 1 and the capability of the audio output functionof the device 2, and determines that the audio output function of thedevice 2 has a lower function level than the audio output function ofthe device 1. The device 2 suppresses the audio output function of thedevice 2. Thus, the device 2 does not output sound indicative of thecommunication state when data is transmitted between the device 1 anddevice 2.

In the example of FIG. 10, the device 2 itself suppresses the audiooutput function. Alternatively, like an example of FIG. 11, the device 1may issue a request for suppressing the audio output function to thedevice 2.

FIG. 11 shows still another example of controlling the audio outputfunction between the electronic apparatus 10 and the external device. Inthis example, it is assumed that both the device 1 and device 2 have theaudio output functions, and that the audio output function of the device1 has the same function level as the audio output function of the device2. The device 1 is, for example, a device (master) which controlscommunication between the devices 1 and 2.

To start with, the device 1 transmits information indicative of thecapability of the audio output function of the device 1 to the device 2in the negotiation phase. The device 2 transmits information indicativeof the capability of the audio output function of the device 2 to thedevice 1 in the negotiation phase.

The device 1 compares the capability of the audio output function of thedevice 1 and the capability of the audio output function of the device2, and determines that the audio output function of the device 1 has thesame function level as the audio output function of the device 2. Thedevice 1 sends a request for suppressing the audio output function ofthe device 2 to the device 2. Upon receiving the request for suppressingthe audio output function of the device 2, the device 2 suppresses theaudio output function of the device 2. Thus, the device 1 outputs soundindicative of the communication state, and the device 2 does not outputsound indicative of the communication state when data is transmittedbetween the device 1 and device 2.

FIG. 12 shows still another example of controlling the audio outputfunction between the electronic apparatus 10 and the external device. Inthis example, it is assumed that both the device 1 and device 2 have theaudio output functions, and that the audio output function of the device1 has the same function level as the audio output function of the device2. The device 2 is, for example, a device (master) which controlscommunication between the devices 1 and 2.

To start with, the device 2 transmits information indicative of thecapability of the audio output function of the device 2 to the device 1in the negotiation phase. The device 1 transmits information indicativeof the capability of the audio output function of the device 1 to thedevice 2 in the negotiation phase.

The device 2 compares the capability of the audio output function of thedevice 1 and the capability of the audio output function of the device2, and determines that the audio output function of the device 1 has thesame function level as the audio output function of the device 2. Thedevice 2 sends to the device 1 a request for outputting sound by thedevice 1. In addition, the device 2 suppresses the audio output functionof the device 2. Thus, when data is transmitted between the device 1 anddevice 2, the device 1 outputs sound indicative of the communicationstate, and the device 2 does not output sound indicative of thecommunication state.

As in the examples of FIGS. 11 and 12, there are many possible methodsof determining which of two devices is to suppress the audio output ifthe audio output functions of both devices have the same function level.For example, in one possible method, a data-reception-side device mayoutput sound and a data-transmission-side device may suppress soundoutput when data transmission is started, and the data-transmission-sidedevice may output sound and the data-reception-side device may suppresssound output when the data reception is finished. Thereby, at the timeof the end of data transfer, in particular, the end of data receptioncan be ensured on the reception side.

As described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 12, when close proximitywireless communication is executed between the electronic apparatus 10and the external device, control is executed such that the audio outputfunction of one of the electronic apparatus 10 and the external deviceis enabled, and the audio output function of the other is disabled. Inthe above description, the audio output function of notifying thecommunication state of close proximity wireless transfer has beenparticularly described. However, the above-described control is alsoapplicable to any kind of communication state notification function fornotifying the communication state, such as an optical output functionfor lighting the LED of the indicator 18. Furthermore, the informationindicative of the capability of the communication state notificationfunction (the presence/absence of the communication state notificationfunction, the capability of the communication state notificationfunction) may be sent in such a manner that this information is includedin a connection request signal or a response signal.

Next, referring to a flowchart of FIG. 13, a description is given of anexample of the procedure of a controlling-side communication processexecuted by the electronic apparatus 10. It is assumed that theelectronic apparatus 10 controls the communication state notificationfunctions of the electronic apparatus 10 and the external device.

There are two connection modes of the close proximity communicationmethod, namely an initiator mode and a responder mode. The device set inthe initiator mode, that is, the initiator device, functions as a masterdevice and sends a connection request to the other device. The deviceset in the responder mode, that is, the responder device, functions as aslave device and detects the connection request transmitted from theinitiator. When the initiator and responder are brought close to eachother, connection between the initiator and responder is established.The communication control program 102 a controls the close proximitywireless transfer device 20, and sets the connection mode of the closeproximity wireless transfer device 20 to be the initiator mode or theresponder mode.

If the close proximity wireless transfer device 20 has been set in theinitiator mode, the close proximity wireless transfer device 20transmits a connection request signal to the external device (blockB101). The connection request signal includes the device ID of the closeproximity wireless transfer device 20.

The close proximity wireless transfer device 20 waits for a responsesignal from the external device. When the close proximity wirelesstransfer device 20 receives the response signal from the external device(block B102), wireless connection is established between the closeproximity wireless transfer device 20 and the external device.

On the other hand, if the close proximity wireless transfer device 20has been set in the responder mode, the close proximity wirelesstransfer device 20 periodically executes a process of detecting aconnection request signal from the external device (block B101). Theconnection request signal includes the device ID of the external device.When the close proximity wireless transfer device 20 receives theconnection request signal from the external device, the close proximitywireless transfer device 20 transmits a response signal including thedevice ID of thereof to the external device (block B102).

Prior to starting data transfer, the communication control program 102 aexecutes a negotiation process with the external device that is thetarget of communication, and determines content data to be transmitted.In addition, by the negotiation process, the communication controlprogram 102 a sends the notification function information indicative ofthe capability of the communication state notification function which isthe function of notifying the communication state to the external device(block B103). Furthermore, by the negotiation process, the communicationcontrol program 102 a receives the notification function informationindicative of the capability of the communication state notificationfunction of the external device from the external device (block B104).

The communication control program 102 a determines whether thecommunication state notification function of the electronic apparatus 10has a higher function level than the communication state notificationfunction of the external device, using the received notificationfunction information of the external device (block B105).

If the communication state notification function of the electronicapparatus 10 has a higher function level than the communication statenotification function of the external device (YES in block B105), thecommunication control program 102 a issues a request for suppressing theaudio output function to the external device (block B106). A signalrequesting the suppression of the audio output function is sent from theclose proximity wireless transfer device 20 to the external device. Theexternal device, which has received the request, suppresses the audiooutput function of the electronic apparatus 10, and does not outputsound indicative of the start time/end time of data transfer between theelectronic apparatus 10 and the external device.

On the other hand, the communication control program 102 a of theelectronic apparatus 10 outputs a start sound indicative of the starttime of data transfer, by using the audio output function of theelectronic apparatus 10 (block B107). The communication control program102 a transmits the content data determined by the negotiation process(block B108). When the transfer of content data is completed, thecommunication control program 102 a outputs an end sound indicative ofthe end time of data transfer (block B109).

If the communication state notification function of the electronicapparatus 10 does not have a higher function level than thecommunication state notification function of the external device, forexample, if the communication state notification function of theexternal device has a higher function level than the communication statenotification function of the electronic apparatus 10 (NO in block B105),the communication control program 102 a issues a request for soundoutput to the external device (block B110). A signal requesting thesound output is sent from the close proximity wireless transfer device20 to the external device. In addition, the communication controlprogram 102 a suppresses the audio output function of the electronicapparatus 10 (block B111). Thus, in the electronic apparatus 10, nosound which indicates the start time and end time of data transfer isoutput.

The communication control program 102 a transmits the content datadetermined by the negotiation process (block B112). When data transferis started, a start sound indicative of the start time of transfer isreproduced by the external device. In addition, when the data transferis completed, an end sound indicative of the end time of transfer isreproduced by the external device.

By the above-described process, the electronic apparatus 10 executescontrol to notify the communication state by that one of the electronicapparatus 10 and external device, which has the communication statenotification function of a higher function level. Specifically, if thecommunication state notification function of the electronic apparatus 10has a higher function level than the communication state notificationfunction of the external device, the electronic apparatus 10 reproducesthe start sound indicative of the start time of data transfer and theend sound indicative of the end time of data transfer, and issues arequest for suppressing the audio output function to the externaldevice. On the other hand, if the communication state notificationfunction of the electronic apparatus 10 does not have a higher functionlevel than the communication state notification function of the externaldevice, the electronic apparatus 10 suppresses the audio output functionthereof, and issues a request for sound output to the external device.

In the above-described flowchart, mention has been made of only thenotification by sound output from the speaker 17. However, theabove-described control can be applied to the notification by lightingor flickering of the LED of the indicator 18.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of acontrolled-side communication process executed by the electronicapparatus 10. It is assumed that the communication state notificationfunction of the electronic apparatus 10 is controlled by the externaldevice.

As described above, there are two connection modes of the closeproximity communication method, namely an initiator mode and a respondermode. If the close proximity wireless transfer device 20 has been set inthe initiator mode, the close proximity wireless transfer device 20transmits a connection request signal to the external device (blockB201). The connection request signal includes the device ID of the closeproximity wireless transfer device 20. The close proximity wirelesstransfer device 20 waits for a response signal from the external device.When the close proximity wireless transfer device 20 receives theresponse signal from the external device (block B202), wirelessconnection is established between the close proximity wireless transferdevice 20 and the external device.

On the other hand, if the close proximity wireless transfer device 20has been set in the responder mode, the close proximity wirelesstransfer device 20 periodically executes a process of detecting aconnection request signal from the external device (block B201). Theconnection request signal includes the device ID of the external device.When the close proximity wireless transfer device 20 receives theconnection request signal from the external device, the close proximitywireless transfer device 20 transmits a response signal including thedevice ID of thereof to the external device (block B202).

Prior to starting data transfer, the communication control program 102 aexecutes a negotiation process with the external device that is thetarget of communication, and determines content data to be transmitted.In addition, by the negotiation process, the communication controlprogram 102 a sends the notification function information indicative ofthe capability of the communication state notification function which isthe function of notifying the communication state to the external device(block B203). Furthermore, by the negotiation process, the communicationcontrol program 102 a receives the notification function informationindicative of the capability of the communication state notificationfunction of the external device from the external device (block B204).

The communication control program 102 a determines whether a request forsound output has been issued from the external device to the electronicapparatus 10 (block B205).

If the request for sound output has been issued from the external deviceto the electronic apparatus 10 (YES in block B205), the communicationcontrol program 102 a reproduces a start sound indicative of the starttime of data transfer, by using the audio output function of theelectronic apparatus 10 (block B208). The communication control program102 a transmits the content data determined by the negotiation process(block B209). When the transfer of content data is completed, thecommunication control program 102 a outputs an end sound indicative ofthe end time of data transfer (block B210). In this case, the audiooutput function of the external device is suppressed, and the externaldevice does not reproduce the start sound indicative of the start timeof data transfer or the end sound indicative of the end time of datatransfer.

If the request for sound output has not been issued from the externaldevice to the electronic apparatus 10 (NO in block B205), thecommunication control program 102 a determines whether a request forsuppressing the audio output function has been issued from the externaldevice to the electronic apparatus 10 (block B206).

If the request for suppressing the audio output function has been issuedfrom the external device to the electronic apparatus 10 (YES in blockB206), the communication control program 102 a suppresses the audiooutput function of the electronic apparatus 10 (block B211). Thus, inthe electronic apparatus 10, no sound which indicates the start time andend time of data transfer is output. After the audio output function ofthe electronic apparatus 10 is suppressed, the communication controlprogram 102 a transmits the content data determined by the negotiationprocess (block B212).

If the request for suppressing the audio output function has not beenissued from the external device to the electronic apparatus 10 (NO inblock B206), the communication control program 102 a determines whetherthe communication state notification function of the electronicapparatus 10 has a higher function level than the communication statenotification function of the external device, by using the receivednotification function information of the external device (block B207).

If the communication state notification function of the electronicapparatus 10 has a higher function level than the communication statenotification function of the external device (YES in block B207), thecommunication control program 102 a reproduces the start soundindicative of the start time of data transfer, by using the audio outputfunction of the electronic apparatus 10 (block B208). The communicationcontrol program 102 a transmits the content data determined by thenegotiation process (block B209). When the transfer of content data iscompleted, the communication control program 102 a reproduces the endsound indicative of the end time of data transfer (block B210).

If the communication state notification function of the electronicapparatus 10 does not have a higher function level than thecommunication state notification function of the external device, forexample, if the communication state notification function of theexternal device has a higher function level than the communication statenotification function of the electronic apparatus 10 (NO in block B207),the communication control program 102 a suppresses the audio outputfunction of the electronic apparatus 10 (block B211). After the audiooutput function of the electronic apparatus 10 is suppressed, thecommunication control program 102 a transmits the content datadetermined by the negotiation process (block B212).

By the above-described process, the electronic apparatus 10 iscontrolled by the external device, so that the communication state isnotified by that one of the electronic apparatus 10 and external device,which has the communication state notification function of a higherfunction level. Specifically, if the request for sound output is issuedfrom the external device to the electronic apparatus 10, the electronicapparatus 10 reproduces the start sound indicative of the start time ofdata transfer and the end sound indicative of the end time of datatransfer. On the other hand, if the request for suppressing sound outputis issued from the external device to the electronic apparatus 10, theelectronic apparatus 10 reproduces neither the start sound indicative ofthe start time of data transfer nor the end sound indicative of the endtime of data transfer.

In the above-described flowchart, mention has been made of only thenotification by sound output from the speaker 17. However, theabove-described control can be applied to the notification by lightingor flickering of the LED of the indicator 18.

Next, referring to a flowchart of FIG. 15, a description is given of anexample of a detailed procedure of the communication process executed bythe electronic apparatus. It is assumed that the electronic apparatus 10controls the communication state notification functions of theelectronic apparatus 10 and the external device.

As mentioned above, there are two connection modes of the closeproximity communication method, namely an initiator mode and a respondermode. If the close proximity wireless transfer device 20 has been set inthe initiator mode, the close proximity wireless transfer device 20transmits a connection request signal to the external device (blockB301). The connection request signal includes the device ID of the closeproximity wireless transfer device 20. The close proximity wirelesstransfer device 20 waits for a response signal from the external device.When the close proximity wireless transfer device 20 receives theresponse signal from the external device (block B302), wirelessconnection is established between the close proximity wireless transferdevice 20 and the external device.

On the other hand, if the close proximity wireless transfer device 20has been set in the responder mode, the close proximity wirelesstransfer device 20 periodically executes a process of detecting aconnection request signal from the external device (block B301). Theconnection request signal includes the device ID of the external device.When the close proximity wireless transfer device 20 receives theconnection request signal from the external device, the close proximitywireless transfer device 20 transmits a response signal including thedevice ID of thereof to the external device (block B302).

Prior to starting data transfer, the communication control program 102 aexecutes a negotiation process with the external device that is thetarget of communication, and determines content data to be transmitted.In addition, by the negotiation process, the communication controlprogram 102 a sends the notification function information indicative ofthe capability of the communication state notification function which isthe function of notifying the communication state to the external device(block B303). Furthermore, by the negotiation process, the communicationcontrol program 102 a receives the notification function informationindicative of the capability of the communication state notificationfunction of the external device from the external device (block B304).

Using the received notification function information of the externaldevice, the communication control program 102 a determines whether theexternal device has an audio output function or not (block B305).

If the external device has the audio output function (YES in blockB305), the communication control program 102 a determines whether theelectronic apparatus 10 has an audio output function or not (blockB306). If the electronic apparatus 10 has the audio output function (YESin block B306), the communication control program 102 a determineswhether the audio output function of the external device has a higherfunction level than the audio output function of the electronicapparatus 10, by using the received notification function information ofthe external device (block B307). If the audio output function of theexternal device has a higher function level than the audio outputfunction of the electronic apparatus 10 (YES in block B307), thecommunication control program 102 a suppresses the audio output functionof the electronic apparatus 10 (block B308). Then, the communicationcontrol program 102 a issues a request for sound output to the externaldevice (block B309). The signal requesting audio output is sent from theclose proximity wireless transfer device 20 to the external device.

The external device, which has received the request for sound outputfrom the electronic apparatus 10 (communication control program 102 a),reproduces the start sound indicative of the start time of data transfer(block B310). Then, the communication control program 102 a transmitsthe content data determined by the negotiation process (block B311).When the transfer of content data is completed, the external devicereproduces an end sound indicative of the end time of data transfer(block B312).

If the external device has the audio output function (YES in block B305)and the electronic apparatus 10 does not have the audio output function(NO in block B306), the process from block B309 to block B312 issimilarly executed.

If the external device does not have the audio output function (NO inblock B305), the communication control program 102 a determines whetherthe electronic apparatus 10 has the audio output function or not (blockB313). If the electronic apparatus 10 has the audio output function (YESin block B313), the communication control program 102 a reproduces astart sound indicative of the start time of data transfer, by using theaudio output function of the electronic apparatus 10 (block B315). Thecommunication control program 102 a transmits the content datadetermined by the negotiation process (block B316). When the transfer ofcontent data is completed, the communication control program 102 aoutputs an end sound indicative of the end time of data transfer (blockB317).

If each of the external device and the electronic apparatus 10 has theaudio output function (YES in block B305 and YES in block B306) and theaudio output function of the external device does not have a higherfunction level than the audio output function of the electronicapparatus 10 (NO in block B307), the communication control program 102 aissues a request for suppressing the audio output function to theexternal device (block B314). A signal requesting the suppression of theaudio output function is sent from the close proximity wireless transferdevice 20 to the external device. Then, the above-described process fromblock B315 to block B317 is executed.

If neither the external device nor the electronic apparatus 10 has theaudio output function (NO in block B305 and NO in block B313), thecommunication control program 102 a transmits the content datadetermined by the negotiation process, without notifying thecommunication state by sound (block B318).

By the above-described process, the electronic apparatus 10 compares thepresence/absence and capability of the audio output function of theelectronic apparatus 10 and the presence/absence and capability of theaudio output function of the external device, thereby executing controlto notify the communication state by that one of the electronicapparatus 10 and the external device, which has the communication statenotification function or has the communication state notificationfunction of a higher function level. In the above-described flowchart,mention has been made of only the notification by sound output from thespeaker 17. However, the above-described control can be applied to theoptical output function of notify the communication state by lighting orflickering of the LED of the indicator 18. If the external device has acommunication state notification function such as an audio outputfunction, the communication state notification function of the externaldevice may preferentially be used, regardless of the capability of thiscommunication state notification function.

As has been described above, according to the present embodiment, thefunction of notifying the communication state in the close proximitywireless transfer can be adjusted between the two devices, and it ispossible to prevent the two devices, which execute the close proximitywireless transfer, from overlappingly executing the communication statenotification functions. When the electronic apparatus 10 of the presentembodiment and the external device are connected, the electronicapparatus 10 controls the electronic apparatus 10 or issues a request tothe external device, so that the communication state may be notified bythat one of the electronic apparatus 10 and external device, which hasthe communication state notification function, or that one of theelectronic apparatus 10 and external device, which has the communicationstate notification function of a higher function level. Thus, even ifeach of the connected devices (the electronic apparatus 10 and externaldevice) has the communication state notification function, thecommunication state is properly notified to the user, without collisionof outputs of sound or light for communication state notification. Forexample, sound is reproduced by one of the communication statenotification function of the electronic apparatus 10 and thecommunication state notification function of the external device, andthereby it becomes possible to avoid such a situation that sounds arereproduced as cacophony from both devices at the same time and thecacophony causes unpleasant feeling to the user. Furthermore, sincesound or light is output from one device alone, the power consumption inthe other device, in which the output of sound or light is suppressed,can be reduced.

In the present embodiment, the electronic apparatus 10 has beendescribed, by way of example, as being realized as the personal computerfunctioning as a station. Alternatively, the electronic apparatus 10 maybe realized as a portable device such as a mobile phone or a PDA.

The respective components shown in FIG. 2, which have been described assoftware modules in the present embodiment, may also be realized ashardware modules.

The various modules of the systems described herein can be implementedas software applications, hardware and/or software modules, orcomponents on one or more computers, such as servers. While the variousmodules are illustrated separately, they may share some or all of thesame underlying logic or code.

While certain embodiments of the inventions have been described, theseembodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are notintended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel methodsand systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of otherforms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in theform of the methods and systems described herein may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit of the inventions. The accompanying claims andtheir equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications aswould fall within the scope and spirit of the inventions.

1. An electronic apparatus comprising: a communication module configuredto execute close proximity wireless transfer; a communication statenotification module configured to notify at least one of a start timeand an end time of data transfer executed between the communicationmodule and an external device, the data transfer being executed by theclose proximity wireless transfer; a notification function informationreceiver configured to receive notification function informationindicative of a capability relating to a communication statenotification function of the external device from the external device;and a notification function controller configured to execute or suppressa communication state notification function by the communication statenotification module, based on the received notification functioninformation.
 2. The electronic apparatus of claim 1, wherein thenotification function information receiver is configured to receive thenotification function information from the external device by anegotiation between the communication module and the external device. 3.The electronic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the notification functioncontroller is configured to suppress the communication statenotification function by the communication state notification module, ifthe external device has the communication state notification function orif the communication state notification function of the external devicehas a higher function level than the communication state notificationfunction of the communication state notification module.
 4. A method forperforming state notification in a electronic apparatus, the methodimplemented on the electronic apparatus and comprising: executing aclose proximity wireless transfer; notifying at least one of a starttime and an end time of data transfer executed between a communicationmodule and an external device, the data transfer being executed by theclose proximity wireless transfer; receiving notification functioninformation indicative of a capability relating to a communication statenotification function of the external device from the external device;and execute or suppress a communication state notification functionbased on the received notification function information.
 5. The methodof claim 4, wherein the notification function information receiver isconfigured to receive the notification function information from theexternal device by a negotiation between the communication module andthe external device.
 6. The method of claim 4, wherein the notificationfunction controller is configured to suppress the communication statenotification function if the external device has the communication statenotification function or if the communication state notificationfunction of the external device has a higher function level than thecommunication state notification function of the electronic apparatus.